Comprehensive Analysis of Inter Milan's New Signing: From Depression to Aerial Dominance, with a Little Help from AC Milan

After a long wait, Benjamin Pavard has finally arrived in Milan. Inter Milan's directors Piero Ausilio and Beppe Marotta have lived up to their promises, pulling off one of the most difficult feats of the summer: overhauling half of the team without the injection of extra funds. As Pavard settles into his new surroundings, both Italian and German media have been dissecting his career, habits, and personal characteristics. Three key aspects stand out: his struggle with depression, his prowess in aerial duels, and the influence of his tight-knit group of friends in the French national team.

A Battle with Depression: The Sensitive Side of Pavard

Pavard’s battle with depression is a topic that has surfaced repeatedly in the media, particularly during his time at Bayern Munich. For a significant period, Pavard seemed disconnected during training sessions and matches, often appearing with a somber expression, as if every minute spent under Thomas Tuchel's management was an excruciating ordeal. This led to widespread speculation that his mental health might have been deteriorating, especially given his previous admission that he struggled with depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pavard, like his Inter Milan teammate Stefan de Vrij, is a player whose tough exterior belies a sensitive and artistic soul. De Vrij is known for his love of opera, symphonic music, and playing the piano. Similarly, Pavard has a deep appreciation for music, though his taste leans towards nostalgic hits from the 1980s. He is the type of player whose performance and work ethic can be heavily influenced by his mood, and his history of mental health issues only adds to the complexity of managing him.

There was widespread concern among fans and pundits alike that Pavard’s mental health could worsen under the strain of his relationship with Tuchel. Fortunately, Pavard's mood seemed to lift immediately after his transfer to Inter was confirmed. Upon his arrival in Milan, he was all smiles, suggesting that a positive mindset could help him integrate quickly into his new team.

The Aerial Duel Specialist: A Complete Defender

With Pavard’s arrival, some fans who are less familiar with the Bundesliga have questioned whether his height, at 1.86 meters, might be a disadvantage in aerial duels, especially compared to Inter’s other central defenders like Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni, and Yann Bisseck. However, these concerns are unfounded. Pavard was second in the Bundesliga last season for one-on-one duel success rate (66.5%), a statistic that highlights his dominance in aerial battles.

Despite being slightly shorter than some of his new teammates, Pavard’s athleticism and competitive edge make him a formidable presence in the air. According to Bundesliga’s official statistics, Pavard’s sprint speed exceeds 33 kilometers per hour. While he may not match the blistering pace of full-backs like Alphonso Davies or Achraf Hakimi, he is one of the faster central defenders in the game. This speed, coupled with his love for fitness—he is often described as a “muscle-bound man” with an eight-pack—makes Pavard a well-rounded defender. For Pavard, working out isn’t just part of his job; it’s a way to relax. In a past interview with Le Parisien, he mentioned that during his bout with depression, he tried various methods to lift his spirits, including cooking and watching television, but found that working out was the most effective remedy. Physical fitness, in his words, was a cure-all.

Pavard’s excellent physical condition and versatility on the pitch make him a perfect fit for Simone Inzaghi’s system at Inter. The Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Pavard can play in three positions in Inzaghi’s setup: as a sweeper, as a right or left center-back, and even as a wing-back if needed. German publication Kicker further highlighted Pavard’s knack for scoring goals, with 15 goals to his name for Bayern Munich and the French national team. While Pavard’s heading ability is impressive, two-thirds of his goals have come from his feet, showcasing his three key skills: pinpoint shooting accuracy with both feet, quick reactions, and the ability to strike the ball cleanly from distance. He has consistently proven himself as a valuable asset during set-piece situations, often capitalizing on deflections and rebounds. His powerful long-range shots have also been instrumental in securing victories for Bayern and France on several occasions.

The National Team Inner Circle: Personal Connections Driving the Transfer

Pavard’s determination to join Inter Milan was evident in the extreme measures he took to force through the move, including refusing to train with Bayern Munich. This decision perplexed many German football legends, including Mario Basler, who questioned Pavard’s logic. Basler argued that staying at Bayern, a club with a strong chance of winning the UEFA Champions League, would have been a wiser choice. However, several French journalists have pointed out that Pavard’s close relationships within the French national team may have played a significant role in his desire to move to Milan.

Those who follow Les Bleus closely know that Pavard shares a particularly strong bond with Olivier Giroud, whether at the team hotel during away matches or in everyday training sessions. Giroud, along with Kylian Mbappé, Theo Hernández, and Marcus Thuram, forms the core of Pavard’s close-knit group. With Thuram now at Inter Milan and Hernández and Giroud at AC Milan, Pavard likely saw the opportunity to reunite with his friends in Milan as an enticing prospect. On the pitch, they might be rivals during the Derby della Madonnina, but off the pitch, they could be neighbors living just a few streets apart. The prospect of being able to visit each other’s homes, share meals, and organize family gatherings undoubtedly added to the appeal of moving to Milan.

Football market experts have noted that despite the obstacles created by Tuchel, Pavard’s personal desire played a decisive role in securing the transfer to Inter Milan. In this regard, AC Milan inadvertently lent a helping hand by creating a familiar and welcoming environment for Pavard in the city.

In conclusion, Benjamin Pavard’s arrival at Inter Milan marks a significant addition to the squad. His battle with depression and sensitive personality, coupled with his impressive aerial ability and versatility on the field, make him a unique and valuable player. Moreover, his close ties with his national team colleagues in Milan suggest that his move to Italy was not just a professional decision but a personal one as well. As Pavard embarks on this new chapter in his career, Inter Milan fans have every reason to be excited about what he will bring to the team.